The Asian Studies Department provides students with the opportunity to study East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The department offers an Asian studies major and concentrations in Asian studies, China studies, and Japan studies. A concentration in Asian studies — which presumes that a student completes a major in another department — is ideal for students with an interest in Asia who are majoring in economics, history, religion, anthropology, art, political science, or other areas. St. Olaf offers many international programs in Asia. The concentrations in China and Japan studies allow students to pursue advanced language study with or without an Asian studies major.

The Asian studies major allows students to gain competence in either Chinese or Japanese language and the understanding of Asian societies through a selection of courses in languages, linguistics, literature, film, economics, history, religion, art history, political science, anthropology, philosophy, psychology, as well as special interdisciplinary courses on Asia. Courses that count toward the major are listed under Asian Studies, Chinese, Japenese, Asian Conversations, and other departments (listed at the end of this catalog section). Many Asian studies courses also fulfill one or more general education requirements. Asian studies majors are encouraged to use their language skills to experience an Asian culture firsthand through study in Asia. Level I courses provide introductions to the languages and the fields of Asian studies. Level II courses, including the Asian Conversations program, provide students a breadth of knowledge about Asia or intermediate study of language. Level III courses offer students the opportunity to do advanced study on a topic about Asia.

Students interested in a major focused on a region of Asia other than China and Japan should contact the chair of the Asian Studies Department about the possibility of doing a contract major.

REQUIREMENTS FOR the CONCENTRATIONS

Students with a major in another department may choose a concentration in Asian studies, China studies or Japan studies. Students with Asian studies majors may also choose to do a concentration in China and/or Japan studies.

At least two of the six courses must be taken on campus

No language courses may count toward this concentration

A China studies concentration consists of six courses:

Four Chinese language courses above Chinese 112;

Two other courses on China; no language courses may count in this category

A Japan studies concentration consists of six courses:

Four Japanese language courses above Japanese 112 ;

Two other courses on Japan; no language courses may count in this category

Distinction is a formal academic honor that the Asian Studies Department may vote to bestow upon senior majors who have demonstrated high academic achievement and an ability to produce independently a work of the highest standard. The Asian Studies Department invites senior majors who seek a significant and satisfying experience as a capstone of their work in Asian Studies to apply for distinction. See the Asian Studies Department Web site for full details.

speciAL PROGRAMS

Asian Conversations is an interdisciplinary program integrating study of the Chinese and Japanese languages with investigations into the culture, history, language and societies of Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and more). See Asian Conversations.

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities to study in Asia through St. Olaf programs and ACM programs. Courses taken abroad may be certified by the chair of the Asian Studies Department as fulfilling the appropriate course requirements. Language study is offered through the Term in China (Shanghai), ACM Japan Study (Tokyo), Nagoya University (Nagoya), and Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (Nagasaki). The ACM India Studies program (Pune) offers area studies courses and intensive language instruction without prerequisites. There are also programs in Asia that do not require previous language study: Term in Asia, Global Semester, Biology in South India, Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, interims, and several study/service opportunities. See OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAMS

Asian studies courses taken in St. Olaf off-campus programs can often be counted toward a major in Asian studies or concentrations in Asian studies, China studies, or Japan studies. Students who wish to count off-campus courses toward a major or concentration should seek approval from the chair of the Asian Studies Department before beginning their programs. Some restrictions apply.

recommendations for GRADUATE STUDY

Students planning to pursue graduate work in an area of Asian studies are strongly advised to develop competence in one of the disciplines (such as history, literature, economics, anthropology, religion, art and art history, and political science) by taking additional courses that teach the methods of the discipline.

COURSES

121 Asian Cultures in Comparative Perspectives

This course examines major cultures of Asia from interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives
with attention to theories of human behavior. Themes vary from year to year; but include a focus on
globalization and Asian popular cultures. No prerequisites.

124 Introduction to Japanese Film (in English translation)

This course studies eight to ten Japanese films by well-known directors such as Ozu, Kurosawa
and Itami. Consideration is taken of the way in which their angle of vision affects the development
of themes, such as the conflict between duty and feeling, the sense of family, or satire of the
family. Includes both historical samurai films and contemporary social problem films. Offered
during interim.

126 Japanese Language in Society

This course explores major aspects of language use that reflect Japanese culture and society.
Issues covered include the characteristics of the Japanese language, loan words, regional
differences, politeness, gender differences, and communication styles. The course is taught in a
combination of lectures, class discussions, subtitled Japanese films, anime (Japanese animation),
and student presentations. There are no prerequisites for 126; knowledge of Japanese helpful
but not necessary. Readings, lectures, and discussions are all in English.

Asian Studies/History 135: Nationalism and Revolution in Vietnam

This seminar examines the Vietnam War in the larger context of Vietnamese history and focusing on the Vietnamese side of history. Themes include the heritage of Vietnamese civilization, French conquest and colonial rule, nationalism and its relationship to Communism, the emergence of two Vietnamese states, and the causes and consequences of the Vietnam War. This course also addresses questions about ideology, the role of the United States in Asia, and the historical processes of nationalism and Communism. Offered during Interim.

156 Contemporary China Through Film (in English translation)

Students study basic concepts and approaches of film analysis, while examining aesthetics,
themes and techniques of masterworks directed by Chinese Fifth Generation directors. Through
readings of cinema theory and criticism and class discussions, students explore artistic merits in
these films and aspects of Chinese society and culture in contemporary China, particularly the
changes that have occurred since 1978 with China's Four Modernizations. All readings are in
English.

177 Power and Press in East Asia

Is the press free to shape a nation's politics? How do news media shape international relations?
Through the assigned readings, students explore the answers to these questions in the context
of East Asian countries ( including China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan).
Additionally, each student will conduct an up-to-date investigation of how news media, such as
newspapers, television, and the Internet, contribute to national images within Asia.

200 Topics in Asian Studies

The department periodically offers courses on special topics. The specific title will be listed in
the class and lab schedule when it is offered. Prerequisites to be determined by instructor.

Asian Studies/ Economics 218: Economic Progress in China (Abroad)

This course tracks economic development in China with emphasis on Shanghai. The course examines the emergence and evolution of markets in rural, urban, commercial, and financial centers and how the changes affect culture, attitudes, customs, and life of the people. Shanghai will be compared with other Chinese cities, including Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Hong Kong. The role of Hong Kong in China's reform and its integration since 1997 is also discussed. Prerequisites: one of Economics 110-121 or permission of instructor. Offered alternate interims.

Asian Studies/Psychology 226: Human Development in East Asia: Perspectives from China and Japan

Students reflect on their own culture as they explore childhood and family life in China and Japan. Developmental and cross-cultural research, memoirs, works of fiction, and films are used to study parents' beliefs and childrearing practices as well as the development of the self, peer relationships, school achievement, and role changes during adulthood. With life expectancy increasing around the world, students also discover how China and Japan are responding to the graying of their populations. Prerequisites: Psychology 125 or Asian Studies 121. Offered during interim.

235 Modern Japanese Literature (in English translation)

This survey of Japanese novels and short stories from the middle of the 19th century to the
present includes works by Soseki, Tanizaki, and two recent Nobel recipients, Kawabata and Oe.
Women writers such as Ichiyo, Ariyoshi and Enchi are considered. Students will also view four
or five films to supplement their readings. The course focuses on the cultural context of the
writings. Offered alternate years.

236 Chinese Literature (in English translation)

Students explore the major genres of Chinese literature -- poetry, short story, novel and
drama -- in English translation. A small number of major works are singled out for close
attention.

237 Modern Chinese Literature and Society

This core course of Asian Studies introduces students to modern Chinese literature and society.
It examines canonical and popular works of Chinese writings including fiction, drama,
autobiography, correspondences, and poetry written in classical and modern styles from the late
nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century. Films also serve as supplementary material
when appropriate. Students read texts in translation and approach them in the context of modern
Chinese society. They also study the literature as it reflects China's interaction with the West
and the country's struggle to define itself as a modern nation. Offered annually.

Asian Studies/Economics 238: Economic Development in Japan

This course provides an overview and analysis of Japan's economic development, beginning with a review of the foundations for growth in the 19th century and focusing on the era of rapid growth in the post WWII period. Students investigate the interaction of culture and the economy, Japan's corporate capitalism, the "economic miracle," Japan-U.S. relations and prospects for future growth. Prerequisite: one of Economics 110-121 or permission of instructor. Offered most years.

Asian Studies/Sociology/Anthropology 239: Modern Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a diverse region, stretching from the sleek high-rises of Singapore to hermetic Rangoon; from Islam to Buddhism; from computer chip manufacture to swidden agriculture. Students read ethnographies, novels, and local histories to better understand Southeast Asian family life, religion, language, and education. Through focusing on the experience of modernity, students examine how Southeast Asians make sense of their group affiliations, their pasts and their futures. The course aims to challenge contemporary understandings of place, entitlement, and home both in Southeast Asia and beyond. Offered annually in the fall or spring semester or during interim.

240 Talking in Japan and the U.S.: Language, Identity, and Beyond

This course looks at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social
environments. Students compare and contrast major aspects of language use in Japan and the
United States. Students explore the general underlying elements of talk (e.g., standard vs.
regional dialects, language attitude and ideologies, politeness, gendered speech patterns,
communication styles) and learn to understand how speakers convey subtle meanings, sometimes
unconsciously. Knowledge of Japanese is helpful but not necessary. Taught in English.

Currents of nationalism, regionalism and globalization organize political life around the world. What trends and policies promote regional integration? What forces frustrate integration? To answer these questions this course investigates security, economic, and cultural relations at the beginning of the 21st century within Asia and between Asia and Russia and the U.S. This course looks at the historical interaction of national, regional and global forces for additional answers. Prerequisite: previous course in Asian studies or political science, or permission of instructor.

Asian Studies/History 250: Chinese Civilization

This course studies Chinese civilization from its beginnings to the end of the 19th century, providing an overview of traditional Chinese thought, culture, institutions, and society. Students examine the development of philosophy and religion, achievements in art and literature, and social and economic change. This course also considers foreign conquest dynasties, Chinese expansion into Inner Asia, and China's relations with the West. Offered most years.

How do people in Asia understand citizenship? Students learn how membership in cultural, social, and political communities shapes rights, responsibilities, and identities in Asian countries. Reading historical and social science research, students consider and compare citizenship in Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Prerequisite: One previous course in Asian Studies or Political Science. Offered periodically.

Asian Studies/History 251: Modern China

This class examines reform and revolution at the end of Qing dynasty; the creation and collapse of the first Republic; warlordism, the New Culture Movement, social and cultural change, and the rise of Chinese nationalism; Japanese invasion, civil war, and the Communist victory; the People’s Republic since 1949; economic and social change, conflict with the Soviet Union, the Cultural Revolution, Maoism and Mao’s legacy, and China’s recent economic and political transformation. Applied Foreign Language Component available in Chinese for students at the third-year level in the language. Offered most years.

Asian Studies/Philosophy 251: Asian Philosophy

This course surveys the influential philosophical traditions of India and China. Students explore the major traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism and Taoism and consider other traditions with which they have interacted. Where appropriate, comparisons are drawn to Western philosophical traditions. Offered most years.

Asian Studies/History 252: Japanese Civilization

A study of Japan from the origins of the Yamato state culture to the emergence of modern Japan, this course provides an overview of traditional Japanese thought, values, and culture. This course examines social, economic and political change, intellectual and religious history, and the development of Japanese arts and literature, as well as Japan's relations with China, Korea, and the West. Offered most years.

Asian Studies/History 253: Modern Japan

This survey of modern Japan from about 1800 to the present examines the political transformation of the Meiji Restoration, the industrial revolution and social and cultural change, the rise and fall of party government, militarism and Japanese expansionism in World War II, the American occupation, and postwar social, political, economic, and cultural developments. Offered most years.

Asian Studies/Religion 253: Hinduism

This course, surveying the general nature and assumptions of Hindu thought, focuses on the diversity of doctrines and practices within some of its major traditions. Students analyze selections from authoritative Sanskrit texts like the Upanishads and Bhagavad-gita, directing special attention to the central issues and developments in Hindu-Christian dialogue.

Asian Studies/ Political Science 254: Japanese Politics and Society

This course familiarizes students with the social and political forces characterizing contemporary Japan, the world's second most powerful economy and a leading example of a successful liberal democracy. Students examine how Japanese citizens, interest groups, bureaucrats, and politicians are negotiating issues related to economic prosperity, the aging of their society, inequality, globalization, and international affairs. Students also consider major features of Japan's democracy -- governmental structures, electoral procedures, and political history. Recommended: one previous course in political science or Asian studies.

Asian Studies/Religion 254: Jesus on the Indian Road: A Perspective on Christianity

The Indian Church, which claims the apostle Thomas as its founder, is the "home base" for this historical exploration of Christianity from the apostolic age to the present. The course considers Christian teachings about God and Jesus, biblical interpretation, worship, response to social, political,, and cultural practices through encounters between Indian Christians and other churches. The multiple religions of India, its colonial experience, and its contemporary society are essential context. Prerequisite: BTS-B.

Asian Studies/Religion 256: Religions of China and Japan

This course introduces the religious and philosophical traditions of China and Japan: Confucianism, Chinese Taoism, Buddhism, Japanese Shinto and the folk traditions. Students read classical texts such as Chuang Tzu and Mencius and analyze fundamental values and concepts such as Tao, yin/yang and humaneness.

Asian Studies/Religion 257: Buddhism

This course studies the Buddhist view of the human predicament and its solution. Students examine the life of the Buddha, Buddhist scriptures and the historical and philosophical development of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism in East and Southeast Asia.

Asian Studies/Art 259: The Arts of China

This course is intended as an introduction to the history of Chinese art, offering a survey of major artistic developments from neolithic times to the present. Among the topics considered: ritual bronzes, funerary remains of the Qin and Han, Buddhist sculpture, and the evolution of landscape painting. Important issues discussed include production and patronage, function, and borrowing and influence in the evolution of artistic works across time and space. Offered annually.

Asian Studies/Art: 260 The Arts of Japan

This course introduces the history of Japanese art, offering a survey of major artistic developments from neolithic times to the present. Among the topics considered: funerary remains of the neolithic through Kofun eras; indigenous as well as imported religious traditions and their imagery, and the secular arts. Issues discussed include production and patronage, function, and borrowing and influence in the evolution of artistic works. Offered annually.

Asian Studies/Art 262: Sacred Sites of South Asia (Abroad)

This course examines art and architecture in a variety of sacred sites in India. Students investigate the development of traditional forms of architecture and imagery at Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sites, the evolution of these forms within later constructed temple complexes, and the impact of Islam upon these earlier religious traditions. Students also explore Western involvement in the modern identities of sites and new approaches to sacred sites seen in 20th-century works. Offered in alternate years during interim.

Asian Studies/History 262: National Identity and Ethnicity in China (Abroad)

This course examines ethnicity and the development of national identity in China through the evolution of the Qing empire into a modern nation state, the development of Chinese national identity in modern times, and the relationship between majority culture and minority ethnicities. Students examine the Han, Manchus, Tibetan, and Hmong/Miao as case studies, including comparisons with Hmong in the United States. Offered every two or three years during interim.

268 The Art of Chinese Calligraphy: Techniques and Appreciation

This course introduces students to the art form of brush-written Chinese calligraphy. Students
explore the aesthetic concepts, the evolution of different styles, and the practical techniques of
Chinese calligraphy. Class lectures complement hands-on practice in which students master the
basic strokes, the structure and compositions, and the line movements that are involved in
producing artistic calligraphy. No knowledge of Chinese language is required. All readings and
visual demonstrations will be in English. Materials fee.

270 Visual Culture of Modern China

This course highlights major visual arts movements within China over the last century, from the end
of the imperial era to current times. Students look at a variety of issues: class and gender; China
in the world art market, Chinese art past and present, and a variety of "isms" now seen as defining
Chinese art. A major theme is to define "visual culture" in all its nuances.

275 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Asia

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary nature of Asian Studies and provides
preparation for research abroad and in the senior seminar. Students gain grounding in the
approaches of different disciplines to a common body of knowledge through presentations by
departmental faculty, and use resources available to researchers in Asian Studies in a systematic
and in-depth way. The course introduces students to bibliographic management software.
Designed to be taken early in the major.

Asian Studies/Religion 289: Buddhism, Peace and Justice

Students examine contemporary Buddhist moral teachings on social issues such as violence and peacemaking, human rights and social justice and humanity and the environment. Coursework focuses on the writings of Vietnamese monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh, Tibetan leader-in-exile Tenzin Gyatso (Fourteenth Dalai Lama), American ecologist Joanna Macy and others. Students consider the moral paradigms of Christianity and Buddhism: Christ and the Bodhisattva. Prerequisites: BTS-B, BTS-T or permission of instructor.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

300 Topics in Asian Studies

This course offers in-depth study of a topic. The specific topic depends on the instructor. The
course may be repeated if topics are different. Offered periodically.

310 Buddhism through Text and Image

This course examines Buddhist images and their relationship to textual sources. Beginning with a
close reading of Buddhist texts in translation, students study how Buddhist images and architecture
derive from textual sources -- and often move beyond them. The course considers the
interrelatedness of text and image in Buddhist practice. Attention is also paid to Western notions
of Buddhism and the development of Buddhist art studies in the West.

Asian Studies/History 345: East Asia Seminar

This seminar covers varying topics in East Asian history. Recent topics have included "World War II in East Asia and the Pacific" and "Nationalism and Communism in Southeast Asia." May be repeated if topics are different. Prerequisite: History or Asian Studies major or permission of the instructor. Offered periodically.

396 Directed Undergraduate Research: "Topic Description"

This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant
background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data
collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may
relate to his/her research interests. Prerequisite: Determined by individual instructor. Offered
based on department decision.

394 Internship

397 Seminar: Human Rights/Asian Context

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that "the inherent dignity and ... the equal
and inalienable rights of all members of the human family [are] the foundation of freedom,
justice and peace in the world." Who speaks to human rights in East Asia? What ethical
perspectives are voiced? Case studies presented through memoirs, films, reports, and
multidisciplinary analyses provide the material for exploring diverse normative claims about
individual rights in East Asia. Prerequisites: Asian Studies 275 or permission of the instructor
and completion of BTS-T. Offered annually.

398 Independent Research

399 Seminar

A capstone experience offering an opportunity to pursue a research project and to discuss issues
of general interest to students of Asia. This seminar proceeds along two tracks: one focusing on
discussion of readings of general interest to Asian Studies students, the other devoted to research,
writing, and presenting findings to the class. Prerequisite: Asian Studies 275 or permission of
the instructor. Offered annually.

CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSES

111 Beginning Chinese I

This course offers an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Chinese, as well as
mastery of basic grammar and command of 250 characters for reading and writing. Class meets
four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required. Offered annually in the
fall semester.

112 Beginning Chinese II

This course offers an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Chinese, as well as
mastery of basic grammar and command of 500 characters for reading and writing. Class meets
four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required. Prerequisite:
Chinese 111 or equivalent. Offered annually in the spring semester.

231 Intermediate Chinese I

Students continue to develop listening and reading comprehension and use of basic structures
through speaking, and writing. The vocabulary for reading and writing increases to 750
characters. Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also
required. Offered annually in the fall semester.

232 Intermediate Chinese II

Students continue to develop listening and reading comprehension and use of basic structures
through speaking, and writing. The vocabulary for reading and writing increases to 1,000
characters. Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also
required. Prerequisite: Chinese 231 or equivalent. Offered annually in the spring semester

251 Advanced Chinese I

This course provides continued practice in speaking, reading, and writing at the third-year
level. Our text introduces students to Chinese geography and history and modern written style.
Conducted entirely in Chinese. These courses are recommended for students seeking a
concentration in Chinese language. Prerequisite: Chinese 232 or equivalent.

252 Advanced Chinese II

This course provides continued practice in speaking, reading, and writing at the third-year
level. Our text introduces students to Chinese geography and history and modern written style.
Conducted entirely in Chinese. These courses are recommended for students seeking a
concentration in Chinese language. Prerequisite: Chinese 251 or equivalent.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

300 Special Topics in Chinese

In this fourth-year-level Chinese course, students explore a specified topic or theme in language,
in various text/media (literature, newspaper, television, and film), in culture/civilization, or in
a combination of these, through close examination of texts (written or visual), discussion,
analysis, and interpretation of selected materials. Specific topics vary by instructor and semester.
May be repeated if topics are different. Taught in Chinese. Prerequisite: Chinese 252 or equivalent.

351 Chinese Language and Society through the Media

This advanced Chinese language course aims to develop students' language proficiency and introduce
students to various aspects of contemporary Chinese social life and culture. Course materials
include films with excerpts of written scripts, newspapers, television, and esays related to the
unit topics. Classroom activities include lectures, language drills, discussions, debates,
presentations, and performances. Prerequisite: Chinese 252 or permission of instructor.

394 Internship

398 Independent Reseach

JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSES

111 Beginning Japanese I

This course is an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Japanese; writing includes the
learning of all syllabic letters (Hiragana and Katakana) and basic Kanji (Chinese characters).
Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required. Offered
annually in the fall semester.

112 Beginning Japanese II

This course is an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Japanese; writing includes the
learning of all syllabic letters (Hiragana and Katakana) and basic Kanji (Chinese characters).
Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required.
Prerequisite: Japanese 111 or equivalent. Offered annually in the spring semester.

231 Intermediate Japanese I

Students continue to develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that enable them
to deal not only with topics of daily life, but also cultural themes and authentic materials. Class
meets four times weekly. Prerequisite: Japanese 112 or its equivalent. Offered annually in the
fall semester.

232 Intermediate Japanese II

Students continue to develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that enable them
to deal not only with topics of daily life, but also cultural themes and authentic materials. Class
meets four times weekly. Prerequisite: Japanese 231 or its equivalent. Offered annually in the
spring semester.

251 Advanced Japanese I

This course, which is comprised of speaking, reading, and writing Japanese at the third-year level,
is recommended for students seeking a concentration in Japanese language. Prerequisite:
Japanese 232 or equivalent.

252 Advanced Japanese II

This course, which is comprised of speaking, reading and writing Japanese at the third-year level,
is recommended for students seeking a concentration in Japanese language. Prerequisite:
Japanese 251 or equivalent.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

300 Special Topics in Japanese

In this fourth-year-level Japanese course, students explore a specified topic or theme in language,
in various text/media (literature, newspaper, manga, and films), in culture/civilization, or in a
combination of these, through close examination of texts (written or visual), discussion, analysis,
and interpretation of selected materials. Sample topics include "Best Sellers and Film
Adaptations" and "Haiku and the Concept of Nature." May be repeated if topics are different.
Taught in Japanese. Prerequisite: Japanese 252 or equivalent.

394 Internship

398 Independent Research

COURSES IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS APPROVED FOR ASIAN STUDIES CREDIT

In addition to the following, Interim courses, Carleton courses and other courses may be submitted to the chair of the Asian Studies Department for approval.

History 240: Major Seminar: Non-Western History (Depending on Content)